What is the SBI?

The SBI is one of two permanent subsidiary bodies to the Convention established by the COP/CMP. It
supports the work of the COP and the CMP through the assessment and review of the effective implementation
of the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol. The SBI also advises the COP on budgetary and administrative
matters.

Sessions

More Background on the SBI

The SBI is currently shifting to a new and transitional phase towards monitoring, reviewing and
verifying (MRV) functions and demonstrating progress in implementing the Bali Action Plan.

In 2013, the SBI had the challenging task of managing the shift in focus towards the MRV issues with the
launch of the international assessment and review (IAR) and
international consultations and analysis (ICA) in 2014, and work on
nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs). Loss and damage and adaptation finance is another area
where progress was made under the SBI by reaching an agreement on a loss and damage mechanism and pledging funds in
the range of US$ 100 million to the adaptation
fund.

On adaptation, finance and technology transfer, the focus was on finding the best way to manage relevant
issues in the SBI agenda while making the best use of the increasing role of the specialized bodies and
institutions that have been created in Cancun and Durban and operationalized in Doha (e.g. Adaptation Committee, Standing
Committee on Finance, and the Technology Mechanism), to deal with the
relevant issues. While the technical discussions under these traditional items are now being taken up under
the constituted bodies, the SBI has the responsibility of maintaining the political momentum and ensuring
transparency on these matters.

The SBSTA and the SBI have traditionally met in parallel twice a year. When they are not meeting in
conjunction with the COP, the subsidiary bodies usually convene at the seat of the secretariat in Bonn,
Germany.